National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 7,677 seats for the 2017 Hajj exercise to pilgrims from Kaduna and Plateau states.

Yusuf Balele, NAHCON Zonal Coordinator in charge of Kaduna and Plateau states, who gave the breakdown for the two states, at the annual pilgrims enlightenment exercise in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday said 6,327 is allocated to Kaduna, while Plateau gets 1,350.

He said this is against the Kaduna and Plateau allocation of 5,571 and 997 respectively.

Nigeria’s allocation for the 2017 Hajj has been restored to 95,000 by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Zonal Coordinator advised intending pilgrims against drug abuse, drug trafficking and reminded them on the prohibition of Hajj on pregnant female pilgrims and the importance of attending ongoing enlightenment programme.

“Intending pilgrims should also ensure strict adherence to approved 8kg hand luggage and 32kg for big bag,” he said.

New policies were announced by the Saudi authority, some of which include an upgrade of services and buses to be used during movements around Makkah, Mina and Arafat, introduction of shuttle bus service between Mina and Makkah between the 10th and 13th of Dhul Hajj and introduction of new standards for pilgrims’ accommodation.

•Photo by Garba Ahmed shows Yusuf Balele, NAHCON Zonal Coordinator in charge of Kaduna and Plateau states (standing), at the annual pilgrims enlightenment exercise in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State, on Sunday.

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